MBT
Military abbreviation · Weapon and Military Equipment
| Stands for | Main battle tank |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
MBT stands for Main battle tank, a weapon and military equipment abbreviation.
Heavily armored tracked vehicle with a large-caliber main gun that combines firepower, protection and mobility for front-line combat. Examples include the US M1 Abrams, German Leopard 2, British Challenger and Russian T-90.
Example: NATO countries pledged MBTs to Ukraine in early 2023.
Usage notes
The term emerged after World War II as light, medium and heavy tank categories gave way to a single type. Modern MBTs weigh around 60 to 70 tons. Drones and anti-tank missiles in Ukraine have prompted debate about tank survivability.
Related abbreviations
More weapon and military equipment abbreviations
- KC – Tanker-cargo aircraft
- LAV – Light Armored Vehicle
- LAW – Light Anti-Tank Weapon
- LGB – Laser-guided bomb
- LMG – Light machine gun
- MANPADS – Man-portable air-defense system
- MG – Machine gun
- MIRV – Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle
- MLRS – Multiple Launch Rocket System
- MOAB – Massive Ordnance Air Blast
- MOP – Massive Ordnance Penetrator
- MQ – Multi-mission unmanned aircraft